Entries From Aconcagua 2-2-14

It’s here! The final RMI Aconcagua expedition of 2014! The team of climbers and Guide extraordinaire Katrina and myself are set to go. We had a great time in Mendoza and Penitentes and we are revving to go. We have a day of sunshine ahead of us to get to our first trek camp at Pampa de Las Leñas. Follow along to see how much fun we have on Aconcagua.

The team is bivvied out under the stars and a clear sky at Las Lenas tonight. After packing the last of our gear for the mules to carry in, we headed to the dusty Vacas Valley. We had a breezy and sunny walk in, taking time to eat fresh melon and jamon y queso sandwiches at a leisurely lunch break along the river. At camp, the local cowboys made us a steak Asado over the open fire for dinner. Tomorrow, we continue up the valley to Casa de Piedra where another Asado dinner (and hopefully starry skies) await us!

It’s a cowboy lifestyle. Our Aconcagua team is currently sitting by a campfire under the Andean stars telling stories and enjoying a little of the good life. Sometimes it’s nice to slow down, look around and enjoy the good life.

Yes, we are on a high altitude mountaineering expedition. However, this is part of that adventure. We can hear a Gaucho…“cowboy” shoeing a mule. These mules go through a lot of hard work getting all our food and gear to base camp. And it’s nice yo see how the cowboys look after their animals.

Tomorrow we will arise to another sunny day as the team hikes into Aconcagua Basecamp. We are all excited to arrive and settle in permanently. We will also be a little sad to say goodbye to the cowboys who are like family to us.

The time has arrived. We are nestling into Plaza Argentina Base Camp. The weather has been too nice on our trek in. It certainly explains why there is a sun on the flag of Argentina. We wish there was a swimming pool at base.

The entire team is doing very well and it is nice to unload all our gear knowing we don’t have to pack up duffels for the mules. Speaking of mules, we want to thank our cowboys for helping us get to BC. The boys from Grajales are the very best. Second to none and they are part of the RMI family.

Today is our first rest day at Aconcagua Base Camp and man is it nice. We woke up and made a huge brunch of home fries and scrambled eggs complete with real French press coffee. What a treat!

Between lounging in the sun and exploring the streams and scenery around camp, the team has been preparing their equipment for our carry to Camp One tomorrow. Checking and double checking that they’ve got all their technical gear and are bringing enough chocolate and gummies for the upper mountain.

The carry to Camp One will be a big day, but the team is feeling strong and the sun will be out. Wish us luck and keep posting on the blog, we enjoy reading your comments!

Rugged and rough is a great way to describe the ascent to Aconcagua Camp One. The team carried gear to cache at 16,400 feet. The last stretch into camp is a light and fluffy scree section that can sometimes cause folks to spin your wheels. Our team managed fine and we hung out for a half an hour in the thin air.

We cached a couple of duffel bags filled with food and gear that we will need higher on the mountain. We are now back in Basecamp once again enjoying the good life!

Boom, nailed it! First move day was successful. We are at Camp One, hydrating and replenishing our systems after the big climb from 13,800 to 16,400 feet. The team moved up in style and got to camp with plenty of time to get settled and enjoy the sunshine. The guides are indulging in Argentina’s favorite drink, Yerba Mate, which JJ credits for his hulk-like strength while building rock walls at camp today. Check back tomorrow to see what we’re up to!

Slogging and chugging away we ascended to Camp 2 in great style. I love when a team stays together every step of the way. It’s motivating and it really creates a great team atmosphere.

We arrived at Camp 2 at 18000 feet and cached more food, fuel and gear for the upper mountain. You can always tell how folks are doing by the expressions on their faces. Everyone was all smiles! And how couldn’t you be with the spectacular views of the Andes that we enjoyed today.

Now back at Camp 1 we are soaking in the sunshine and relaxing. A couple of climbing rangers stopped by and we share a round of mate and discussed weather. Katrina and I are about to start making the team quesadillas as a mid afternoon pick me up.

Clouds followed us up the mountain today from Camp One to Camp Two. Luckily, the group walked strong and we got to ‘Chopper Camp’ with enough time to set up tents and drink some soup before the snow started. Now, we’re all tucked in and waiting to see what the weather does. With a bit of snow in the forecast, we’re glad to be nestled in Camp Two instead of on the more exposed slopes of Camp One. The sun, the snow, and the waiting, it’s all part of mountaineering, and it keeps things interesting!

We’ll touch base again tomorrow and let you know how the climb progresses!

Happy Valentines Day from all the climbers to their loved ones! Today was another great day in the mountains. The team carried to Camp 3 at 19,600 feet in rather chilly temperatures. It was really the wind that gave us a bite on the cheek.

Arriving at Camp 3 the team looked rather strong as they imagined what the final 3,000 feet looks like. I’m keeping it a secret for now.

The weather has moved back in and we are all lying in our tents drinking hots and listening to the snow fall on the tents. There’s a little bit of thunder and lightning also to keep things interesting. It’s safe to say we are all in siesta mode.